Canada boasts impressive natural and cultural diversity, making it an appealing destination for Mexicans. If you’re planning to visit in 2025, be sure to learn about the tourist visa before you start organizing your trip.
And since February 2024, Canada has introduced some changes regarding the Canadian visa for Mexicans. For that reason, in this post, we provide all the specifics—from costs to the requirements to begin the process.
Yes. If you want to travel to Canada for a short stay, you’ll need a visa to enter the country, although this depends on your purpose. For example, if you plan to stay and find a job, you must apply for a Canadian work visa.
But if it’s just a layover or you want to visit the country for tourism, you might qualify for other permits.
Everything depends on how long and why you’re visiting.
Before requesting a Canadian visa, it’s important to have an email address and the following documents:
Passport. It must be in good condition, with personal details clearly legible, plus at least 6 months’ validity beyond your planned departure date from Canada.
Passport-type photos. Two recent color photos (taken in the past three months) that meet Canadian government specs.
Financial means. You need to demonstrate that you can afford all trip-related expenses.
Personal or professional ties. An essential requirement to prove strong reasons to return to your home country. Without these, your application may be refused.
Criminal record. You must have no previous criminal convictions nor any violation of immigration or visa laws.
Health status. You can’t have a severe communicable disease posing risks to public health in Canada.
In some cases, you may have to provide extra documentation when entering Canada, for instance:
If traveling with a minor, documents confirming your family relationship with them.
If traveling at the invitation of a person or business, an invitation letter confirming it.
While not mandatory, it’s recommended to have an insurance policy covering medical and hospital expenses for your entire trip. An invitation letter or medical checks might be required only in specific circumstances.
The Canadian visa for Mexicans costs 100 CAD, or about 1,418 MXN at the time of writing. It’s quite likely that you’ll also have to pay 85 CAD for biometric data collection, bringing the total to 185 CAD.
Still, these fees are subject to change if Canada’s government revises them.
The good news is that once you’ve secured your tourist visa, you can go ahead with travel prep without worry—just apply a few money-saving tips on the road.
Below is a list of consular fees in Canada for Mexicans:
Service | USD | CAD | Notes |
Passports | |||
Validity 1 year | $42 | $62 | People over 60 or with disabilities pay 50% of the set fees. |
Validity 3 years | $99 | $147 | |
Validity 6 years | $133 | $198 | |
Validity 10 years | $203 | $302 | |
Visas | |||
Visa in a foreign passport | $54 | $80 | |
Visitor visa with no paid activities (long term) | $53 | $79 | |
Additional Consular Services | |||
Legalization of signature | $54 | $80 | |
Certificates (analysis, free sale, medical, etc.) | $64 | $95 | Each requested certificate. |
Household goods form for Mexicans | $142 | $211 |
Additional Notes:
Payments are made in Canadian dollars (CAD).
Acceptable methods: cash (exact amount) or Money Order payable to “Consulate of Mexico” or “Embassy of Mexico,” as applicable.
For more detailed info on fees, check the Embassy of Mexico in Canada website.
First, check if you are eligible for the visa before you start the application.
If you have confirmed that you are eligible for a Canadian visa for Mexicans, where do I apply for a Canadian visa? Through the IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) website.
Steps to follow:
1. Go to the IRCC site and create an account.
2. Complete the visitor visa application form and upload the required documents.
3. Pay the application fee plus biometrics fee (if required).
4. If you must provide fingerprints and a photo, visit a Visa Application Center (VAC). You can book an appointment online or by phone.
5. Await the decision.
You can then fine-tune your trip planning with Google Travel or a similar service to see points of interest, among other details.
As of February 29, 2024, some Mexican citizens can opt for an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)—a permit valid exclusively for air travel, easier to obtain online via the Canadian government website.
Requirements:
Valid Mexican passport
Plans for a trip of less than six months
Either a Canadian visitor visa issued within the past 10 years, or a still-valid U.S. nonimmigrant visa
The eTA costs 7 CAD and remains valid five years or until your passport expires—whichever comes first.
So if you’re traveling for tourism, transit, or short business, you might qualify for the eTA.
The tourist visa and the eTA aren’t the only available permits for brief stays. Canada features multiple visa types according to your travel intentions, such as:
Canadian Work Visa
Student Visa
Business Visa
Permanent Residence Visa
Super Visa (for parents/grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents)
Express Entry Program Visas (for qualified candidates seeking immigration under specific economic streams)
If in doubt, check the official Canadian government portal for up-to-date requirements and procedures.
Planning to Visit Canada as a Tourist?
Consider using the DolarApp card to book flights online or pay expenses in Canada.
DolarCard is an international card you can obtain after opening your digital U.S. dollar account. All you have to do is request the physical card to use it when traveling abroad.
This is a practical alternative if you want to avoid exchange bureaux de change scams or high fees when using a local bank card abroad. It can also be useful if you don't want to pay conversion fees at international establishments.
Plus, from the app, you can seamlessly convert from pesos to USDc at a fair exchange rate.
Yes. Regardless of how long your layover is, you must hold either a Canadian visa or a valid eTA. You can apply online or directly through your closest embassy, meeting the established conditions.
A Canadian visa for Mexicans (visitor) is valid up to 10 years, though actual duration depends on your passport’s validity, as your visa typically expires when your passport does.
The Canadian visa application generally takes 4–6 weeks. That timeframe can stretch based on time of year and the volume of submitted applications.
The world has borders. Your finances don’t have to.
Work and Travel Find out the requirements to renew your American visa as a Mexican. In addition, here is a step-by-step guide to the process and how long the visa takes.
Work and Travel The price of an American visa in 2025 depends on the procedure you want to carry out. If you plan to travel for tourism or business, for example, the fee is 185 USD.
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